Your Future in Medicine Starts Here!
This program is an opportunity for high school students interested in medicine and the health sciences to explore what it’s like to study human biology in college. Taught by Eckerd College Biology faculty in our science labs, students will spend the week doing the kind of hands-on lab work pre-health undergraduates do. Students will record their own heart and brain activity with ECGs and EEGs, measure lung function with spirometry, study human tissues under the microscope, and practice real microbiology techniques. Along the way, they’ll explore cell biology, cancer biology, and medical genetics, and build the lab, observation, and critical-thinking skills that pre-med students rely on. Explore your passion for medicine with Pre-Med Pathways!
Core Topics
- Cardiac physiology
- Respiratory physiology
- Muscle physiology
- Brain physiology
- Human histology and cellular anatomy
- Microbiology
- Cell biology, cell signaling, and cancer biology
- Medical genetics
Students enrolled in this program will:
- Use electrocardiograms (ECGs) to learn about heart structure and function
- Use electroencephalograms (EEGs) to learn about brain structure and function
- Measure pulmonary function with spirometry
- Practice microbiology culture and staining techniques and run biochemical tests
- Build pedigrees and karyotypes to learn how genetic conditions are inherited and diagnosed
- Use microscopy to explore human tissues and cellular anatomy
- Attend classes and labs led by Eckerd Biology faculty
Take a look at our sample schedule to get a sense of the daily activities.
June [TBD], 2027
Grade level
Students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2027
$1800
Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.
Check-in: Sunday, 2:30 p.m
Check-out: Friday, 2:30 p.m
Check-out: Friday, 2:30 p.m
Required Forms
Faculty
Steven Denison, Co-Director
Professor of Biology
Scott Dobrin, Co-Director
Associate Professor of Biology
Room and Board
Facilities
Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275, exit 17.
Directions & MapCounselors
Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.
Housing
Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls in double-occupancy rooms, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. At least one Counselor will reside in a single room alongside participants on each floor of each single-sex residence hall.
Meals
Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.
Refund Policy
| Withdrawal Date | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days before start date | 100% |
| 30 days before start date | 50% |
| 20 days before start date | 20% |
| <20 days before start date | 0% |
Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.
No refund will be issued for the following:
- If a participant fails to show up for the program.
- If a participant is dismissed from the program by the College.
Participants who cancel their registration and are eligible for a refund should contact precollege@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8312.
